Air NZ to operate Los Angeles cargo flights under Australian freight programme

Air New Zealand is launching a cargo service between Melbourne and Los Angeles, as part of the Australian Government’s International Freight Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) programme.

It will operate a weekly service from July 3 until the end of October 2021.

Air New Zealand general manager cargo Anna Palairet said this is the first time that the airline has flown the route and with the limited international flying currently happening, adding a new route to the mix is positive.

Palairet said: “This service will help Australian exporters get high-value, time-sensitive perishable exports to global markets and assist with importing nationally important goods to Australia. Over the next four months, the route will open the potential for nearly 1000 tonnes to be moved between Melbourne and Los Angeles.

“We know there is some big cargo demand on this route as it gives Australian exporters and importers another option to move products to and from the US. In fact, the first flight is already pre-sold.”

The service is in addition to the Brisbane–Los Angeles flights that air New Zealand has been operating since August 2020 under the same scheme.

Earlier this month, the carrier was also awarded more flying under the New Zealand Government’s Maintaining International Air Connectivity (MIAC) scheme.

“This scheme has been extended through to October, and we will operate around 30 flights per week to 13 destinations including Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Taipei, and Shanghai, as well as maintaining air connectivity with key ports within the Pacific Islands,” said Palairet.

“Our Cargo team has worked hard to keep products moving for the past 15 months which has also allowed us to bring Kiwis home while international travel is constrained by border closures.”